Hemp News - Cannabishttp://crrh.org/news/taxonomy/term/683/0
enMichigan: Marijuana Legalization Campaign Submits 360,000 Signatures to Place Issue on 2018 Ballothttp://crrh.org/news/michigan-marijuana-legalization-campaign-submits-360-000-signatures
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>LANSING, MI — The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol turned in more than 360,000 signatures earlier this month calling for its marijuana legalization initiative to be placed on Michigan’s November 2018 ballot. The state Board of Canvassers approved ballot language on May 18 of this year. Shortly afterward, the campaign began its 180-day statewide signature collection effort using both volunteer and paid signature collectors. </p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/michigan-marijuana-legalization-campaign-submits-360-000-signatures" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017ActivismCannabiscoalition to regulate marijuana like alcoholCommunityLegalizationMichiganRecreationalsocialSat, 16 Dec 2017 02:05:55 +0000restore9478 at http://crrh.org/newsU.S.: DEA Wants Feds To Grow Almost 1,000 Pounds Of Marijuana Next Yearhttp://crrh.org/news/dea-feds-grow-marijuana-2018
<p><img src="/images/hemp-news-medical.jpg" alt="There Is a Truth That Must Be Heard" align="left" /> 443,680 grams.</p>
<p>That's how much marijuana the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) wants federally-licensed researchers to grow for use in scientific studies in 2018.</p>
<p>That amounts to a little more than 978 pounds of government-cultivated cannabis.</p>
<p>While that may sound like a lot, it's actually a slight decrease from this year's level.</p>
<p>The 2018 aggregate production quotas that DEA laid out in a Federal Register filing slated for publication on Wednesday are amounts the agency thinks will "provide for the estimated medical, scientific, research [and] industrial needs of the United States, lawful export requirements, and the establishment and maintenance of reserve stocks."</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/dea-feds-grow-marijuana-2018" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017Cannabistom angellThu, 07 Dec 2017 20:44:27 +0000restore9473 at http://crrh.org/newsU.S.: Record-High Support for Legalizing Cannabis Use, Gallup Poll Findshttp://crrh.org/news/record-high-support-legalizing-cannabis-use
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Americans are warming up to legalizing cannabis, with 64% now saying its use should be made legal. This is the highest level of public support a Gallup poll has found for the proposal in nearly a half-century of measurement.</p>
<p>The latest figure, based on an <a href="http://news.gallup.com/poll/221018/record-high-support-legalizing-marijuana.aspx">Oct. 5-11 Gallup poll</a>, follows shifts in the U.S. legal landscape regarding marijuana since Gallup's 2016 measure. While still illegal at the federal level, the issue was featured on a number of state ballot initiatives in 2016, and with eight states and the District of Columbia having fully legalized marijuana, more than one in five Americans live in a state where they can legally enjoy use of the drug.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/record-high-support-legalizing-cannabis-use" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisCommunitygallup pollRecreationalsocialWed, 25 Oct 2017 14:57:07 +0000restore9467 at http://crrh.org/newsGeorgia: Atlanta City Council Votes To Decriminalize Cannabishttp://crrh.org/news/atlanta-city-council-votes-decriminalize-cannabis
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>On Monday, the Atlanta City Council voted to decriminalize cannabis in an unanimous decision. After the historic 15-0 vote from the City Council, the proposed ordinance was sent to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed to either sign or veto the legislation. If the mayor signs it, which he said he intends to, the ordinance will become city law. </p>
<p>After the vote, Mayor Reed indicated that he was interested in signing the legislation. In a <a href="https://twitter.com/KasimReed/status/914999737052536832">tweet</a>, the mayor thanked council members for their "leadership on marijuana reform." </p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/atlanta-city-council-votes-decriminalize-cannabis" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisDecriminalizationgeorgiaKasim ReedPoliticalWed, 04 Oct 2017 20:28:02 +0000restore9453 at http://crrh.org/newsLesotho: Kingdom Becomes First African Country to Legalize Cannabishttp://crrh.org/news/lesotho-becomes-first-african-country-legalize-cannabis
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Lesotho, a country of two-million people surrounded by South Africa, is perfectly situated to produce large volumes of high quality, low cost cannabis due to its expertise in high altitude cultivation.</p>
<p>For many years, Lesotho’s farmers have been growing cannabis for consumption at home and exporting their harvest across the border in South Africa. Similarly, in Swaziland, growing cannabis and exporting the herb to South Africa has provided for many families, despite the plant being outlawed.</p>
<p>Cannabis is not yet fully legal in South Africa, so citizens cannot legally cultivate, sell or smoke, and how the court ruling applies is still somewhat obscure, but it seems, globally, cannabis culture is becoming more tolerated.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/lesotho-becomes-first-african-country-legalize-cannabis" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisLegalizationLesothoRecreationalsocialWed, 04 Oct 2017 19:44:52 +0000restore9452 at http://crrh.org/newsU.S.: FBI Reports 653,249 Arrests for Cannabis in 2016http://crrh.org/news/fbi-reports-653249-arrests-cannabis-2016
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>An estimated 653,249 arrests were made nationwide for cannabis in 2016, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual Crime In the United States (CIUS) <a href="https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2016/crime-in-the-u.s.-2016">report</a>. The staggering data equates to one person being arrested for cannabis approximately every 48 seconds on average in the United States.</p>
<p>In the U.S. today, arresting and citing over half a million people a year for a substance that is objectively safer than alcohol is a travesty that needs to end.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/fbi-reports-653249-arrests-cannabis-2016" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisCommunityjeff sessionsPoliticalProhibitionWed, 04 Oct 2017 18:41:54 +0000restore9450 at http://crrh.org/newsMassachusetts: Advocates Seek Assurances From Cannabis Control Commissionhttp://crrh.org/news/massachusetts-advocates-seek-assurances-cannabis-control-commission
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Many advocates in the cannabis industry feel the newly appointed Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) members who opposed Question 4, the state's recreational cannabis law, should make clear that their personal positions will not impact their board responsibilities in implementing the law.</p>
<p>Advocates are asking CCC Chairman, Steven Hoffman, to request that the governor and the Legislature provide adequate funding to get the legal sales system up and running on the current schedule.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/massachusetts-advocates-seek-assurances-cannabis-control-commission" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017Cannabiscannabis control commissionMassachusettsPoliticalQuestion 4Wed, 27 Sep 2017 20:10:27 +0000restore9442 at http://crrh.org/newsU.S.: National Conference of State Legislatures Urges De-Scheduling Cannabishttp://crrh.org/news/national-conference-state-legislatures-urges-de-scheduling-cannabis
<p><b>Resolution approved by state lawmakers from around the nation expresses support for amending the Controlled Substances Act to enable financial institutions to provide banking services to state-legal marijuana businesses; would give states control of their own marijuana policies without federal interference</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/national-conference-state-legislatures-urges-de-scheduling-cannabis" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017Cannabiscontrolled substances actdeschedulingMarijuana Policy Projectnational conference of state legislaturesMon, 07 Aug 2017 22:48:34 +0000restore9368 at http://crrh.org/newsU.S.: Senator Booker Introduces ‘Marijuana Justice Act’ to Legalize Cannabishttp://crrh.org/news/senator-booker-introduces-marijuana-justice-act
<p><b>For decades, the failed War on Drugs has locked up millions of nonviolent drug offenders—especially for cannabis-related offenses—at an incredible cost of lost human potential, torn apart families and communities, and taxpayer dollars</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Today, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Marijuana Justice Act, a bill that if passed will legalize cannabis at the federal level and go even further in an effort to remedy many of the failures of the War on Drugs. </p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/senator-booker-introduces-marijuana-justice-act" target="_blank">read more</a></p>CannabisCommunity Reinvestment Fundcorey bookerLegalizationMarijuana Justice ActPoliticalRecreationalTue, 01 Aug 2017 18:07:31 +0000restore9349 at http://crrh.org/newsPennsylvania: Dept of Health Launches Practitioner Registry for Medical Cannabis Programhttp://crrh.org/news/pennsylvania-dept-health-launches-practitioner-registry-medical-cannabis-program
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Health and Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine announced this week that physicians can now take the first steps to participate in the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program by completing the Practitioner Registry.</p>
<p>“Since April 2016, we’ve been working to implement a patient-focused Medical Marijuana Program for Pennsylvanians in desperate need of medication,” Dr. Levine said. “Many physicians treat these patients every day and understand the impact this medication could have on their treatment. Once these physicians register and complete the required continuing education, they can be approved to participate in the program.”</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/pennsylvania-dept-health-launches-practitioner-registry-medical-cannabis-program" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisCommunityDr. Rachel LevineMedicinal CannabisPennsylvaniaFri, 28 Jul 2017 16:44:12 +0000restore9318 at http://crrh.org/newsAlabama: Congressman Running For Sessions’s Senate Seat Backs Medical Cannabishttp://crrh.org/news/alabama-congressman-running-sessions-senate-seat-backs-medical-cannabis
<p><b>U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a fierce opponent against states to set their own cannabis laws without federal interference, but new Alabama Senate seat hopeful endorses cannabis legislation</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>A leading candidate for Sessions' former seat representing Alabama in the U.S. Senate, Congressman Mo Brooks (R), is making support for cannabis law reform an important part of his platform.</p>
<p>“Medical cannabis should be treated like any other treatment that saves lives or eases pain and symptoms. In a land of freedom and liberty, that decision is best kept between a doctor and a patient,” Congressman Brooks said at a press conference. “That is what I believe. That is how I will vote in the Senate. That is how I have voted in the House.”</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/alabama-congressman-running-sessions-senate-seat-backs-medical-cannabis" target="_blank">read more</a></p>AlabamaCannabisCommunityjeff sessionsMo BrooksPoliticalFri, 28 Jul 2017 01:03:13 +0000restore9315 at http://crrh.org/newsArkansas: Texarkana Approves Medical Carijuana Regulationshttp://crrh.org/news/texarkana-arkansas-approves-medical-cannabis-regulations
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Texarkana, the first municipality in Arkansas which has granted formal approval to local rules that will govern medical cannabis businesses that operate within its borders, has approved the historic first business license fees for dispensaries and medical cannabis growers, according to <a href="https://mjbizdaily.com/first-arkansas-town-approves-medical-marijuana-regulations/">MJBiz</a> .</p>
<p>Growers must pony up $50,000 for a business permit, while dispensaries will have to pay an initial $7,500 and then $11,000 for yearly license renewals, <a href="http://www.ksla.com/story/35904111/texarkana-board-approves-two-medical-marijuana-regulations">reports KSLA</a>, the Shreveport, Louisiana TV station.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/texarkana-arkansas-approves-medical-cannabis-regulations" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017ArkansasCannabisCommunityMedicinal CannabisPoliticalTexarkanaTexasThu, 27 Jul 2017 23:41:25 +0000restore9311 at http://crrh.org/newsDelaware: Governor and Lawmakers Expand Access to Medical Cannabis for PTSD Patientshttp://crrh.org/news/delaware-lawmakers-expand-access-medical-cannabis-ptsd-patients
<p><b>Senate Bill 24, signed last week, will improve access to treatment for Delaware veterans</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>On July 12, Delaware Governor John Carney signed into law <a href="http://governor.delaware.gov/legislative-advisories/">Senate Bill 24</a>, which will expand access to medical marijuana treatment for Delaware veterans, and other Delawareans, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/delaware-lawmakers-expand-access-medical-cannabis-ptsd-patients" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisDelawareGovernor John CarneyMedicinal CannabisSenate Bill 24Tue, 18 Jul 2017 21:09:38 +0000restore9287 at http://crrh.org/newsOregon: Beaver State Celebrates Second Anniversary of Legal Cannabishttp://crrh.org/news/oregon-celebrates-second-anniversary-legal-cannabis
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>On July 1, 2015, Oregon joined Colorado, Washington, Washington D.C. and Alaska in regulating recreational cannabis for adults over the age of 21. The Oregon law, which allows an individual the ability to carry one ounce of cannabis, possess up to 8 ounces and cultivate four (4) cannabis plants at their residence, was passed in November 2014 as Measure 91.</p>
<p>Mark Pettinger, the spokesperson for the Recreational Marijuana Program with Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), said in a statement, “From January 2016 to now, I’d say we have made pretty good progress with the tools we have and the support we have.”</p>
<p>“Now we’re close to 1,300 licenses that have been issued and close to 3,000 applicants,” Pettinger added.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/oregon-celebrates-second-anniversary-legal-cannabis" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisLegalizationMarijuanaOregonRecreationalsocialSun, 09 Jul 2017 22:02:33 +0000restore9262 at http://crrh.org/newsNew York: State Department of Health Announces Enhancements to Medical Marijuana Programhttp://crrh.org/news/new-york-department-health-announces-enhancements-medical-cannabis-program
<p><b>Certified Patients Increase By More Than 7,500 Since Addition of Chronic Pain</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>On June 22, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) announced several new enhancements to the state's Medical Marijuana Program as the number of certified patients continues to rise since the late March addition of chronic pain as a qualifying condition. Enhancements will streamline and simplify the registration process for practitioners, making it easier to certify patients for the medical marijuana program. </p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/new-york-department-health-announces-enhancements-medical-cannabis-program" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisMedicinal CannabisNew YorkPoliticalThu, 29 Jun 2017 00:06:31 +0000restore9259 at http://crrh.org/newsU.S.: Attorney General Jeff Sessions War On Cannabis Needs To End, Says ALCUhttp://crrh.org/news/attorney-general-jeff-sessions-war-cannabis-aclu
<p><b>Our top law enforcement official is a criminal justice dinosaur who has a history of endorsing ineffective policies and racist political rhetoric, says American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Forty-six years ago, when President Richard Nixon declared drug abuse to be “America’s public enemy number one”, decades of harmful and misguided rhetoric began. In an op-ed last Friday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions touted misleading statistics and called for tougher sentencing. The propaganda is AG Sessions latest effort to escalate the War on Drugs and undo medical and recreational cannabis laws. </p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/attorney-general-jeff-sessions-war-cannabis-aclu" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017ACLUActivismCannabisjeff sessionsProhibitionrichard nixonUnited Stateswar on drugsWed, 21 Jun 2017 17:55:30 +0000restore9221 at http://crrh.org/newsOhio: Former NFL Linebacker, Reggie Williams, Says Cannabis Saved Leghttp://crrh.org/news/former-nfl-linebacker-reggie-williams-cannabis
<p><b>Former NFL linebacker Reggie Williams has joined the growing list of former pro-athletes advocating for cannabis</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Reggie Williams, who played 14 seasons from '76 to '89 with the Cincinnati Bengals, has been using a cannabis Cannabidiol (CBD) patch to fight chronic leg pain. Williams decided against treating the pain with opioids that could lead to a lifetime of drug addiction while undergoing treatment for the leg injury. Williams stated, "I didn't want to go from all those surgeries to being an addict for the rest of my life in order to stay sane" while dealing with chronic pain. </p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/former-nfl-linebacker-reggie-williams-cannabis" target="_blank">read more</a></p>ActivismcannabidiolCannabisCBDCincinnati BengalsCommunityNFLReggie WilliamstoradolMon, 19 Jun 2017 21:36:50 +0000restore9185 at http://crrh.org/newsColorado: Cannabis Tax-Funded Program Awards Scholarships Totaling $420,000 http://crrh.org/news/colorado-cannabis-tax-funded-program-awards-scholarships
<p><b>Each of the recipients will be getting $2,000 for the 2017-18 school year</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>The Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation (PHEF) and Pueblo County Commissioners have awarded scholarships totaling $420,000 for the 2017-18 school year. The program, believed to be the world’s first cannabis tax-funded scholarship program, will award approximately $2,000 of it to 210 students <a href="http://fox21news.com/2017/06/02/marijuana-tax-funds-420k-worth-of-scholarships-for-pueblo-county/">on June 20</a>.</p>
<p>The scholarship, which was made possible through cannabis revenue, raised an additional $50,000 by utilizing grant-matching from the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/colorado-cannabis-tax-funded-program-awards-scholarships" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisColoradoColorado Opportunity Scholarship InitiativeCommunityEducationLegalizationPueblo Hispanic Education FoundationRecreationalFri, 16 Jun 2017 19:45:04 +0000restore9204 at http://crrh.org/newsGlobal: Uruguay and Canada Moving Forward on Cannabis Legalizationhttp://crrh.org/news/uruguay-canada-moving-forward-cannabis-legalization
<p><b>Canada and Uruguay currently honor the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances<b></b></b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Uruguay‘s Ambassador to Ottawa, Martin Vidal, is working with Canada on the implementation of global cannabis regulations. To do so, Canada and Uruguay must comply with three United Nations drug control treaties, since they honor those treaties. </p>
<p>In April, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced legislation with a goal of legalizing and regulating the use of recreational cannabis by July 2018. </p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/uruguay-canada-moving-forward-cannabis-legalization" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CanadaCannabisCommunityDecriminalizationinternationalInternational TreatiesLegalizationProhibitionUruguayWed, 14 Jun 2017 19:01:37 +0000restore9193 at http://crrh.org/newsUnited States: Cannabis Is Safer Than Opioids, According To Several Studieshttp://crrh.org/news/cannabis-is-safer-than-opioids-according-several-studies
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>In the midst of an opioid epidemic in the United States, research studies show that using cannabis to treat chronic pain is a safer, less addictive alternative to narcotics.</p>
<p>In 2014, in <a href="http://www.jhsph.edu/news/news-releases/2014/state-medical-marijuana-laws-linked-to-lower-prescription-overdose-deaths.html">a study</a> conducted by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that “in states where medical cannabis is legal to manage chronic pain and other conditions, the annual number of deaths from prescription drug overdose is 25 percent lower than in states where cannabis use is illegal. The study was published in the Aug. 25th issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/cannabis-is-safer-than-opioids-according-several-studies" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017Brendan SalonerCannabisCBDColleen L. Barryjama internal medicinejeff sessionsJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthKevin BoehnkeMedicinal CannabisresearchScienceTHCUniversity of California-San DiegoYuyan ShiSun, 11 Jun 2017 22:08:59 +0000restore9171 at http://crrh.org/newsRhode Island: Legislative Allies Propose Incremental Cannabis Legalizationhttp://crrh.org/news/rhode-island-legislative-allies-propose-incremental-cannabis-legalization
<p><b>Sen. Joshua Miller and Rep. Scott Slater announce a proposal to legalize possession of small amounts of cannabis on July 1, 2018, and establish an advisory board to provide recommendations to the General Assembly on regulating sales and cultivation</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>The compromise legislation would legalize possession of an ounce or less for adults 21 and older on July 1, 2018 and establish a six-person advisory board comprised of two state officials selected by the governor, two state senators, and two state representatives to study outcomes of legalization in other states. </p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/rhode-island-legislative-allies-propose-incremental-cannabis-legalization" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisLegalizationmarijuana policyMatthew SchweichMPPPoliticalRecreationalRegulate Rhode Island ProjectRep. Scott SlaterRhode IslandSen. Joshua MillerFri, 09 Jun 2017 12:03:28 +0000restore9152 at http://crrh.org/newsNew Mexico: McDonalds Cannabis Billboard Near Colorado Border Goes Viralhttp://crrh.org/news/new-mexico-mcdonalds-cannabis-billboard-goes-viral
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>A cannabis billboard near Raton, New Mexico has a lot of people talking on the Internet. The billboard, which has since been taken down, stated, “Usually, when you roll something this good, it’s illegal,” and showed a Bueno green chile breakfast burrito.</p>
<p>The billboard, was for a McDonald's on Clayton Road in Raton, just off exit 451 of Canam Highway.</p>
<p>Melissa Grubelnik, the Tourism Coordinator of the Raton Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber “sees the humor” in the sign, considering the city’s proximity to Colorado. “We do not have a problem with it,” <A HREF="https://www.abqjournal.com/1014219/mcdonalds-billboard-in-raton-gets-a-lot-of-buzz.html">Grubelnik said</a>. “We hope it encourages people to stop at our newly renovated McDonald’s.”</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/new-mexico-mcdonalds-cannabis-billboard-goes-viral" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisColoradoMcDonaldsNew MexicoRecreationalThu, 08 Jun 2017 23:08:54 +0000restore9156 at http://crrh.org/newsPennsylvania: NFL Hall of Fame Linebacker Jack Ham Working To Strengthen Cannabis Advocacyhttp://crrh.org/news/nfl-hall-of-fame-linebacker-jack-ham-working-strengthen-cannabis-advocacy
<p><b>One of the greatest outside linebackers in the history of the NFL has become an advocate for medical cannabis in Pennsylvania</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Legendary Pittsburgh Steeler and 1988 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee, Jack Ham plans to serve as a spokesperson and consultant for AgriMed, which is one of several hundred companies vying for one of 12 licenses to grow and provide medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.</p>
<p>While Ham is partially advocating for the company because he wants to see jobs return to Greene County, where its operation would be located, he also believes it is time for the NFL to take a more open stance on the drug.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/nfl-hall-of-fame-linebacker-jack-ham-working-strengthen-cannabis-advocacy" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisCommunityJam HamMedicinal CannabisNFLPennsylvaniaPittsburgh SteelersFri, 02 Jun 2017 05:10:27 +0000restore9125 at http://crrh.org/newsUnited States: Veterans Affairs Secretary Shulkin: "We’re Interested In Looking At Medical Marijuana For Vets"http://crrh.org/news/veterans-affairs-secretary-medical-marijuana
<p><b>"If there is compelling evidence that this is helpful, I hope that people take a look at that and come up with the right decision." Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin said Wednesday he's open to expanding the use of medical cannabis to help service members suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but cited the VA is limited by strict federal law.</p>
<p>In the United States, it is estimated that 22 veterans take their lives each day. “That should be unacceptable to all of us,” <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/va-secretary-medical-marijuana-vets-article-1.3210018">Shulkin said.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/veterans-affairs-secretary-medical-marijuana" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017Cannabisdepartment of veterans affairsDr LevequeMedicinalphil levequePoliticalPTSDVAVeterans Affairs Secretary David ShulkinThu, 01 Jun 2017 20:37:32 +0000restore9123 at http://crrh.org/newsStudy: Cannabis Component Reduces Seizures For Some Epilepsy Patients, According To Researchhttp://crrh.org/news/science-cannabis-component-reduces-seizures-epilepsy-patients
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>An oil derived from the cannabis plant sharply reduces violent seizures in young people according to a study published last Wednesday in the <a href="http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1611618?query=featured_home">New England Journal of Medicine</a>. The study focused on patients with Dravet syndrome, a severe type of epilepsy.</p>
<p>"This is the first solid, rigorously obtained scientific data that a marijuana compound is safe and effective for this problem," said Dr. Orrin Devinsky, a neurologist at New York University Langone Medical Center and primary author of the study. </p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/science-cannabis-component-reduces-seizures-epilepsy-patients" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017cannabidiolcannabidiol oilCannabisDr. Orrin DevinskyDr. Samuel Berkovicepilepsygw pharmaceuticalsMedicinal CannabisneurologicalNew York University Langone Medical CenterresearchScienceWed, 31 May 2017 20:57:41 +0000restore9115 at http://crrh.org/newsSouth Dakota: Jury Acquits Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Cannabis Consultant On All Chargeshttp://crrh.org/news/south-dakota-jury-acquits-colorado-cannabis-consultant
<p><b>Eric Hagen had faced a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on both the conspiracy and possession counts and 7 1/2 years on the attempted possession count</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Last Wednesday, a South Dakota jury cleared Eric Hagen, a 34-year-old consultant who worked with the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, of drug charges. The defendant helped the American Indian tribe grow cannabis for a resort that the tribe hoped would succeed.</p>
<p>The jury took only a couple of hours to find Hagen, of Sioux Falls, not guilty in state court.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/south-dakota-jury-acquits-colorado-cannabis-consultant" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017Attorney General Marty JackleyCannabisCommunityEric Hagenflandreau santee siouxPhohibitionSouth DakotaWed, 31 May 2017 17:22:04 +0000restore9110 at http://crrh.org/newsWashington: WSU Researchers Seeking Volunteers For Cannabis Studyhttp://crrh.org/news/washington-wsu-researchers-seeking-volunteers-cannabis-study
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) are seeking volunteers for their study to develop a breathalyzer that detects social cannabis use. </p>
<p>Volunteers will be paid $30 an hour for the first hour and $10 for every additional hour.</p>
<p>To comply with Washington state law, test subjects must be at least 21-years of age to participate in the study. </p>
<p>The breathalyzer would need to accurately detect “acute exposure” to tetrahydrocannabinol, WSU Professor Emeritus Nicholas Lovrich, doctoral candidate Peyton Nosbusch and City Councilor and research assistant Nathan Weller <a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/may/19/volunteers-needed-to-smoke-pot-for-science/">told the Pullman League of Women Voters</a> last Thursday.</p>
<p>Participants will receive a blood test and a mouth swab for the study. The volunteers will then pick a strain from a Washington state-licensed retail cannabis store, and consume it at their residence.</p>
<p>After consumption, a taxi will pick up the volunteers and take them to Pullman Regional Hospital to complete secondary testing for the study. </p>
<p>Additionally, the study will have participants submit to a standard sobriety test conducted by local law enforcement officials. </p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/washington-wsu-researchers-seeking-volunteers-cannabis-study" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisPeyton NosbuschProfessor Emeritus Nicholas LovrichresearchSciencewashington state universityMon, 22 May 2017 19:07:23 +0000restore9090 at http://crrh.org/newsMinnesota: Medical Cannabis Patients Report Benefits In Department of Health Studyhttp://crrh.org/news/minnesota-medical-cannabis-patients-report-benefits-study
<p><b>Majority of Minnesota Medical Cannabis Patients Saw Benefit in Program’s First Year</b></p>
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Based on patient surveys and other data, a significant number of patients who used medical cannabis during the first year of Minnesota’s marijuana program reported benefits, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.</p>
<p>Less than a quarter of patients who participated in the study experienced negative side effects from cannabis. </p>
<p>The MDH study draws on data from survey results as well as enrollment, purchasing, and related health information to describe the experience of patients using medical cannabis from the program’s start on July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016.</p>
<p>“Based on this evidence from the first year, Minnesota’s approach is providing many people with substantial benefits, minimal side effects, and no serious adverse events,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/minnesota-medical-cannabis-patients-report-benefits-study" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisDr. Andrew BachmanMedicial MarijuanaMinnesotaminnesota health departmentresearchScienceFri, 19 May 2017 20:30:37 +0000restore9083 at http://crrh.org/newsWashington, DC: Cannabis Legalization Bill Receives Bipartisan Support On Capitol Hillhttp://crrh.org/news/cannabis-legalization-bill-bipartisan-support-capitol-hill
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and Representative Tom Garrett of Virginia held a press conference Wednesday urging Congress to pass <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1227">H.R.1227, Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017</a>. The legislators are renewing their efforts as the Trump administration pushes to go after non-violent drug crimes. The bill currently has 11 sponsors.</p>
<p>The bipartisan bill, if approved, would remove cannabis from the federal government’s list of controlled substances and put cannabis in the same category as alcohol and tobacco.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/cannabis-legalization-bill-bipartisan-support-capitol-hill" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017CannabisCommunityending federal marijuana prohibition actH.R.1227MarijuanaPoliticalProhibitionRecreationalsocialFri, 19 May 2017 11:41:58 +0000restore9081 at http://crrh.org/newsU.S.: Willie Nelson Tells U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions To Smoke Some Pothttp://crrh.org/news/willie-nelson-attorney-general-jeff-sessions-smoke-pot
<p>By Michael Bachara<br />
Hemp News</p>
<p>On May 17, singer-songwriter Willie Nelson had some advice for U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who said marijuana is only “slightly less awful” than heroin. </p>
<p>Sessions has also said in the past that "good people don't smoke marijuana." As the nation's top law enforcement officer, he has signaled a broad crackdown against both social and medicinal uses of the drug, which remains illegal federally.</p>
<p><a href="http://crrh.org/news/willie-nelson-attorney-general-jeff-sessions-smoke-pot" target="_blank">read more</a></p>2017Cannabisjeff sessionsRecreationalsocialWillie Nelsonwillie&#039;s reserveThu, 18 May 2017 18:32:14 +0000restore9077 at http://crrh.org/news